Save the hassle of packing your belongings time after time and let us be your home away from home. Rich in history and beauty, the Mackinaw area offers many ideal destinations just a short drive away. The following are examples of day trips that include many of the scenic and historical sites found in Northern Michigan.

Fall Color Tour Day Trips

Scenic drive from Mackinaw City south on the West Coast of Northern Michigan is a scenic tour of quaint villages and towns. To start your journey take Central Avenue west to Wilderness Park Drive and turn left. Approximately 7 miles southwest to Cecil Bay Road, turn left again and follow to Gill Road. At Gill Road you will turn.

On Gill Road heading west to Island View Road, along the lakeshore to Cross Village. Stop at Legs Inn in Cross Village for a unique dining experience. This is the best place in Northern Michigan for Polish food. Eat in the outdoor garden on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan or in the one of a kind (you have to take pictures) dining room. Follow M-119 south through "The Tunnel of Trees".

This 20-mile trek of winding road through the trees offers unforgettable vistas of color and bluff views of Lake Michigan. M-119 follows the coastline through Good Hart and into Harbor Springs.

Heading out of town toward Petoskey enjoy the Dunes and Petoskey Stone hunting (it's the State Stone) at the Petoskey State Park. Petoskey is the hub of Little Traverse Bay. For a relaxing afternoon pick up a box lunch from Roast & Toast Cafe, 309 E Lake Street, and take the pedestrian tunnel at the base of Petoskey and Bay streets to the public access site on the waterfront. You'll find boats, playgrounds, Historical Society in the old railroad depot, waterfalls, picnic tables, fishing, beautiful views, and quiet restful shade trees.

Head back to Mackinaw City on US 31 north. The drive is approximately 30 miles of two lane driving. For a special treat stop at the Dutch Oven Bakery on the main drag in Alanson. Pick up a couple cookies, brownies or baklava for the rest of the ride.